Gift Vouchers launched as local Foodbank faces increased demand

A local foodbank has launched Gift Vouchers – the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything – as demand for assistance increases dramatically.

The B30 Foodbank based at the Cotteridge Church, is part of the Trussell Trust network. Serving those in need across South West Birmingham, they are a tremendous resource for people in the community and have provided more than half a million emergency meals to people who cannot afford to self purchase.

Increased demand

The B30 Foodbank – well supported by donations from local residents, organisations and businesses – has provided over 125 tonnes of food, worth an estimated £200,000 since it was formed just over 3 years ago.

Over the last two years, demand for provision has increased by 100%, with 5704 people being provided with food in the last year.

As Christmas approaches, the food bank is expected to be busier than ever – one recent session saw food provided for more than one person every minute.

‘I don’t know what we would’ve done without it’

Single mum Anouska, 36 and from Rubery, has 8 children living at home – aged between 3 months and 18 years. She recently had an issue with her benefits and was told it wouldn’t get sorted out until February. With children to feed, she needed the help of B30 Foodbank to provide emergency food.

Anouska said: “The foodbank really helped me. I really don’t know what we would’ve done without it, to be fair. I just didn’t have enough money to feed the kids. The work they do at the foodbank is absolutely outstanding. It’s remarkable what they did to help me.”

Give the gift of food this Christmas

Buy & Give Gift Vouchers:

To help meet demand, the foodbank has launched gift vouchers – the perfect Christmas present for someone who already has everything.

Items can be dropped off at The Cotteridge Church (24 Pershore Road South, B30 3EJ) or collected via info@b30.foodbank.org.uk

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How the foodbank works:

The foodbank provides food for people in financial crisis. The idea is to give them short-term support while that crisis is overcome.

Clients get three days’ emergency supplies for the number of adults and children detailed on their vouchers. (The food provided is nutritionally balanced.)

There is a general limit of three lots of emergency supplies in six months. The latest figures show 63% of clients come to the foodbank only once. Fewer than 7% come more than three times in six months.

Every client who needs food is assessed and then referred to the foodbank by one of around 150 professional organisations, such as neighbourhood offices, social workers, schools, doctors and job centres. These organisations issue a food voucher which is exchanged for food at the foodbank. (People cannot just walk in off the street and get emergency food.)

If you would like any more information, help or advice, you can contact the B30 Foodbank by: